Italy vs France Predictions & Tips - Italy can get close against France in Rome

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 20 Feb 2025

Listen

Ralph Staniforth 20 Feb 2025

Share this article

France are favorites, but Italy's current form poses a threat.
Italy has not defeated France since 2013 but managed a draw recently.
Today's game is vital for France's title hopes, needing a win to stay in contention.

Expired

These two drew 13-all in their last meeting (Getty Images)

Italy vs France Predictions

France are clear favourites for this fixture, but Italy showed in 2024 what they are capable of. The Italians are not short of form either, so expect to be fired up for this encounter.

Italy vs France Predictions
Head to Head
Italy Form
Italy Injuries & Team News
France Form
France Injuries & Team News

While I believe France will be too strong over 80 minutes, Italy are good enough to get within the 17.5 handicap which looks very steep for me.

Italy won their last home match.
Italy drew in their last match against France.
France have won 13 of their last 14 matches against Italy.

Head to Head

France have not lost to Italy since 2013, a span of 14 matches. There have been some exciting game since, but Italy have not managed to cross the line. However, last season, Italy produced a huge performance in France to draw 13-13, a game they should have won but for a missed kick at the death.

Italy Form

Italy come into this round three fixture with one win and a defeat in the opening two rounds. They have shown over the last 24 months that they have developed a proper squad filled with quality players, many of whom are young.

In round one, Italy got off to a sluggish start at Murrayfield against Scotland. They fought back into the game, but it was too little, too late as Scotland won 31-19.

Another opportunity for a victory presented itself in round two, this time at home against Wales. In poor conditions with a lot of rain, Italy dominated from start to finish, winning 22-15, although two late Wales scores made that scoreline flatter them.

Italy Injuries & Team News

Italy will likely select a side similar to the one that faced Wales. They have momentum on their side and a positive recent history against France.

France Form

France are second on the table with six points, level with third placed England but four points off Ireland. To have any hope of still winning the title, France simply have to win this fixture.

Les Bleus were dominant in round one as they cruised to a 43-0 success at home against a struggling Welsh side. However, in round two, they suffered a 26-25 defeat to England at Twickenham.

It was a game France should have won but they spurned numerous scoring opportunities over the course of 80 minutes. They could still have won but for an England converted try after the clock had gone red.

France Injuries & Team News

Fabian Galthie is reported thinking of having a 7/1 bench split, a tactic made famous by South Africa ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Thibaud Flament and Anthyony Jelonch are both expected to make a return to the side. Emmanuel Meafou is likely to miss the match through illness.

Verdict

Italy v France

France should have the quality to get the win, but I am backing it to be by less than 17.5 points.

Italy +17.5

Handicap

@10/11 - 5 Units

£30 Free Bet

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets